Willem Alberts was first selected for the Springboks at the end of 2010 after some stirring performances for the Lions and the Sharks during 2009 and 2010. One of the most devastating defenders in the game, Alberts is comfortable at flank or No 8 and is also a great ball carrier. He has been a central member of The Sharks’ pack at Vodacom Super Rugby level since moving to Durban and starred for the Springboks at the 2011 Rugby World Cup. He was named Man of the Match in the first Test against England, in Durban in June 2012. In 2014, Willem missed most of the international season because of injury.